Speedway may demolish grandstands

Tuesday

Dec 4, 2012 at 12:01 AM

The 53-year-old grandstands, restrooms and other fan areas of Daytona International Speedway appear destined for demolition as the Speedway moves forward on a planned major renovation and expansion of its entertainment complex.

DINAH VOYLES PULVERSTAFF WRITER news

The 53-year-old grandstands, restrooms and other fan areas of Daytona International Speedway appear destined for demolition as the Speedway moves forward on a planned major renovation and expansion of its entertainment complex. The frontstretch grandstands — built when the Speedway opened in 1959 – would be "removed and reconstructed," according to documents provided to the St. Johns River Water Management District as part of an application for a new stormwater management system. Consultants for the Speedway filed the application last Wednesday, along with a $1,410 filing fee. The plans spell out a reconstruction project for 108 acres along International Speedway Boulevard to revamp the way rainfall is managed and improve the treatment of stormwater. The documents also note new fan entrance areas, parking spaces along the grandstands, and other changes, including the grandstand demolition and replacement, which would be spaced over several years. The Speedway announced the renovation early last summer, saying the larger grandstands would have five new entranceways, but specific details have been slow to emerge. That's in part because the design is not yet finalized and in part because the proposal won't go to senior executives and the board of parent company International Speedway Corp. until sometime later next year, Speedway spokesman Lenny Santiago said Monday. The grandstand project is part of a much larger plan the Speedway and ISC are putting together for a 663-acre complex that includes the legendary tri-oval and surrounding properties. The racing and entertainment complex could eventually include up to 2 million square feet of retail space, nightclubs, movie theaters, 1,785 hotel rooms, 1,500 apartments and/or condominiums and possibly a casino, if those are ever allowed by state law. Daytona International Speedway officials are putting together a plan for what the property is "going to look like for the next 50 years," Santiago said. "We think it's time to take a look at our flagship facility and see how it can continue to provide fans the premier experience they can expect when coming to Daytona. "We're looking at all the elements of how a fan enjoys our events, with the most obvious being seats, entryways and transportation throughout our facilities, and amenities like food and beverage and restrooms," Santiago said. "For us, this could potentially be a great opportunity to modernize various elements that need it." While it will be some time yet before long-time ticket holders learn how the renovation will affect them, Santiago said the goal is to make sure the fans' new seats will be just as good or better. "Certainly our most loyal fans are the lifeblood of our sport, so we are focused on their experience as a priority," he said. The Speedway hopes to make the entire "experience first class from the second a fan steps on the property, but staying true to the history that is Daytona."Previously, city and Speedway officials have said the plan would greatly add to the number of seats, and could mean new suites and wider seats. The original site plan filed with the city said an additional 150,000 seats could be added as part of the master redevelopment. But on Monday, Santiago said the Speedway hasn't finalized the number yet, so officials don't know whether the plan means more seats, or how many more seats could be built. Among other improvements that could be in store are escalators or conveyors that would make it easier for fans to move through the nearly one-mile length of entrances, ticket gates and grandstands, Santiago said. At present, fans have to climb 30 flights of stairs for some of the best seats, he said. "We're trying to make it easier for fans to get around the facility." The grandstand project could take several years to complete, Santiago said, taking into account the Speedway's busy schedule of events. But, it won't be "what most people think when they hear demolition," said Rich Walton, Daytona Beach city planner. "Ultimately in the end, they will be replaced, but it will be done in a series. You won't see a wrecking ball like a normal demolition." Walton said the Speedway has a year from the date the site plan was approved in October to get a permit to begin construction. Teresa Monson, a spokeswoman for the water district, said she had no specific timeline for when the district permit could be issued. She said the "environmental and engineering reviews are just getting under way."

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